Weds 5th February 2020

5th February 20205th February 2020
by admin

Had a great turn out on Sunday for World Wetlands Day – given the wet blustery weather that was in it.

Monica O’Brien had these comments about the day “

World Wetlands Day with Shannon Community Wetlands Community Project with Ruairí Ó Conchúir & Olive Carey @shannonwetlandsrestorationproject Shannon Community Group Shannon Airport Shannon Town Forum

Life is beginning to thrive in this a “kidney of the earth” in our local Wetlands Community Project in Shannon. There is much already done and much more has to be done.

Wetlands biodiversity matters for the climate. They remove pollutants, they provide storm protection, store water and reduce flooding. 40% of all species live/breed in wetlands.

A valuable resource for visitors and tourists alike. And it will be of great benefit to local schools as an outdoor classroom.

Volunteers are much needed now to help to dig up or cut back some of the willows that are trying to take over. These would very much dry up the ground and the wetlands would then cease to exist.

Also three bags of rubbish were collected today by the volunteers even though the weather turned nasty.

People leaving rubbish here seems to be a continuing problem which is sad.

This little piece of earth will be here for all future generations to enjoy hopefully.

We all got out, listened to Ruairí from the Local Authority and Waters Programme give us an amazing talk on the biodiversity of Wetlands and why they are so important. I learned a lot and it opened my eyes into this type of landscape. My generation grew up thinking this type of land was worthless and had to be drained.

More gatherings are planned to do various jobs. Including planting more native trees and cutting back the willows. It was a great way to get exercise, meet new people and at the same time leave it a bit cleaner for the benefit of all to enjoy.